Rah rah rah! Go teachers go! Rah rah rah!

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

September is here, and the many Doper teachers (those not on year-round schedule) I’m sure are scrambling around as I am getting things ready to go. Many of us, esp. here in SoCal, start on the 3rd–but I know several in the East and Midwest have started already!

This thread is asking for encouragements, supports, and general educational cheerleading from the Doper community as we return to work. Teachers need it, too! :slight_smile:

Why am I asking? Well, this is my 6th year teaching, and so the idealistic enthusiasm of my first few years have waned. I am more organized, more effective instructionally, more familiar with curriculum and standards, and better equipped to deal with the varying needs of my class. However, the political and administrative crap weighs on me more now than before, probably because I’m more aware of it now. This year will be especially challenging, as:

  1. The School Board looked at our math texts and said “These don’t cover enough of the state standards before testing in the Spring. So…everyone give your texts to the grade level behind you. That’ll work!” (Note that no teachers–or principals–were a part of this decision.) This means my incoming 5th graders will be using the 6th grade text–coming straight from the 4th grade text. Who the hell thought skipping an entire year would be a good idea? I’ll make it work, because I have to, but holy fright…this is going to be a massive adjustment for everyone.

  2. Budget cuts. California is in a big mess, and as a result, education funds SUCK. Our general funds, which are used to buy everything from ink for the copier to toilet paper to pencils to paper to janitorial supplies to kleenex–have been slashed 50%. “Okay, everyone, bring your own TP!”

  3. Student numbers. I’ll have at least 33 students in my class (cap is supposed to be 32), but with all the students who moved into the district during the summer, it’s looking like 35. I have no idea where I’ll put them, but I’ll take them.

  4. Curriculum. We are now required to teach: 45min of ELD, 1 hour (minimum) of math, 1 hour of writing, 2 hours of reading, 30min of PE or health, 45min of science, and 45min of social studies every day. Add that up, and you get 6 hours 45min of instructional time…in a 5 hour teaching day. Hmmmmmm… (Note that art and music aren’t listed, because they aren’t required–just expected. Somehow.)

  5. Meetings. We have an average of 6 staff meetings a month. They are mind-numbingly dull and usually a terrific waste of time. It isn’t that they aren’t needed–it’s just that those hour and a half meetings could easily be whittled down to 30min if our principal stuck to the agenda and didn’t bird-walk so much. But who will tell her that?

But despite those ridiculous set backs, I look forward to this school year. There will still be shining eyes and hopeful glances, squirming bodies and those “a-HA!” moments I live for. Nothing the state or board does will take that away from us. :slight_smile:

So, c’mon in and cheer on the Doper teachers…after all, we make a career out of fighting ignorance! :smiley:

2

Today was teacher inservice day, just as long and tedious as described by the OP.

My relationship with my department head has reached a new low, as he has breached really obvious ethical standards in his quest to make me miserable. And yet, there seems to be no reason that he shouldn’t go on to spend the next decade treating me like the gum on the sole of his sensible shoe.

I feel like I’ve been clubbed in the head , and metaphorically as well as literally.

So if you want to say something nice about why I shouldn’t chuck it all and become a long-haul trucker, that would be okay.

3

My father retired last year after 32 years teaching. In the same school. In the same room. For 32 years! ::mind boggles::

My mom had her last “first day of school” this year, 32 years for her as well. She switched schools a couple times.

They both taught middle school, which I think qualifies them for sainthood or something.

Growing up with two teachers for parents really made me appreciate my education and the efforts of the teachers I had through the years.

Good luck to all you teaching Dopers, and thank you for the job you do.

4

Good luck to teaching Dopers, and teachers everywhere!

My wife is a teacher, formerly special ed, and her year’s getting off to its own little rough start. A new principal (who’s making waves, but might just be what the school needs), tight budgets, fluctuating student numbers, and a staff that’s pretty well divided along the lines of “those who were in with the old principal” and “those who appreciate the new one,” among other things. Should be an interesting year… I just hope that it settles down after a week or so.

5

I give teachers a lot of credit & respect. It’s shameful their salaries are not much higher. Good luck this year! You’re :cool:

6

Hoo-boy, does this touch one of my hot spots!

You know those bumper stickers that say, “If you can read this, thank a teacher”? Well, after the school system totally failed to teach my five-years-older sister (who is of above-average intelligence, thank you) to read, my mother taught me–I was reading at the age of three.

Math? Geography? Applied math and applied science? History? Home economics (and I do mean economics, not just cooking and sewing)? Civics? Thank my mother and father, because the teachers in my schools were more interested in discussing their tennis games and their personal lives rather than teaching.

When I got to high school, my father asked at a parents’ meeting why I wasn’t learning anything (I was obviously intelligent, but my high school life consisted of getting bullied). The school vice-principal told him, verbatim: “High school isn’t really for learning new things, it’s for socialization.”

A little over ten years ago I worked for a cultured, well-educated man from Pakistan. I enjoyed discussing various issues with him. Once he looked at me, puzzled, and asked, “Where did you go to school?” He was shocked and amazed that I’d attended the US public school system.

Oh, and I should mention my 6th-grade science teacher, who 1) wanted the class to dissect a cat (in 6th grade?!), and 2) flirted openly and aggressively with all the cute little blonde girls…who, being in 6th grade, were 11 years old.

Sorry, but teachers aren’t doing their jobs, and for what they do do, they’re way overpaid.

7

I would really appreciate it if you would refrain from making such negative comments about teachers in general. Some teachers are failing miserably. I practice the challenging craft of teaching. I am not in the category of “overpaid”. Your experience sounds horrific. Your conclusion regarding your teachers may be accurate. If so, that is indeed tragic. Many teachers are very devoted to the profession and to the students. I had wonderful teachers for the most part. My parents were very supportive of my teachers. As a result of their high regard for teachers, I walked into class with the assumption that there was something of value being offered. This assumption made my teachers better.

8

That’s right. Every last one of us, in every grade, in every school, in every instance all across the country. We all suck. In fact, we shouldn’t even have teachers. Doesn’t the government get it? We’re a waste of money. Down with education!

Obviously, your experience sucked. Really sucked. But painting with a broad brush isn’t going to change that, and neither is it going to paint an accurate picture.

In fact, you could, if you choose, use this thread to share your negative experiences in a positive light–“Hey teachers, don’t lust after 11 year olds,” etc. The point of this thread was to encourage teachers as they start a new year, and saying “Hey, don’t be like this asshole teacher I had” or saying “The best teacher I ever had was like this” is infinitely more profitable to solving the problem as you see it than just coming in here and venting.

I apologize on behalf of my profession for the asinine experiences you had to endure. Just try to keep an open mind that perhaps some teachers do give a rat’s ass about their students–and learning.

9

I know teachers in the public school systems who make a lot of sacrifices with their personal time and money. I also know people who graduated from inner city public schools and are now attending some of the best universities in the U.S. Some of these students have parents from other countries. I give the teachers much credit for not only teaching, but motivating their students.

Parents should also be actively involved with their child’s education. But the point of this thread is to cheer the teachers on who remain in their occupations when it is one of the most exhausting endeavors I can imagine. I think there is a nation wide shortage of teachers in the U.S., and most likely in other countries. I would hesitate to deal with the bureaucracy and politics that I hear about in that profession. One of the best little books to read about a teacher’s experience is Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year, by Esme Raji Codell.

10

Squish, it sounds like you got a bum rap, but still–bull. I was a very good teacher, and I worked with a lot of very good teachers. I can’t imagine that in your entire school career, you never, one single time, had a GOOD teacher. Maybe YOUR school system sucked, but certainly not every school system does.

Think we need more good teachers? Go get a teaching degree and put yourself on the front lines. You can make a difference in the world and still be way overpaid! What more could a person ask?

Doperteachers: Have a great year!!

~karol

11

As the husband/brother/brother-in-law of teachers, I say, you are all terrific! Your dedication and love for your students is inspiring.

Keep up the good work, teachers! You are worth more than anyone could pay you.

12

My mom heads back next week, too. Her third-graders sure will be glad to see her. :slight_smile:

Ruffian, what is ELD? Is it an English class?

13

dantheman…yes, sorry not to clarify to begin with. ELD is English Language Development. I teach second language learners…although this year, for the first time since my first year teaching, I will have a split class of ELLs (English Language Learners) and EOs (English Only at home).

Just spent another $60 on classroom materials today. Whew! This time of year can sure get expensive!

Thank all of you for your continued support!

[sub]Did I just channel Bartles and James?[/sub]

14

BTW, if there are any teachers in here, maybe you could help me in this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=132948

:slight_smile:

15

I have already started back and so far, this looks like it may be my most enjoyable year of teaching so far (my 14th year, but only the second at my current school). Obviously it helps that I have a schedule of classes that I enjoy (high school level), but you also truly get the feeling in this district that the students are cared about and that the administration feels that teachers are important.

The superintendant actively promotes a policy that states that any decision made is to be made according to what is best for the children we serve. That seems obvious, but after having taught at several other places, I do believe that other concerns, most especially money, often cause decision makers to forget that. The superintendent does not allow that to be forgotten here.

The new principal seems committed to maintaining the positive atmosphere instilled by the former principal. Each day any positive outcome by our students, whether it be athletic contests, academic rewards, or special performances by members of certain organizations are announced by the principal himself (or vice-principal if he cannot be there). Both the superintendant and the principal are routinely seen at school events.

There is just an atmosphere here that students are going to do well, and if they are not then we need to find out what is the problem. Last year, the freshman guidance counselor met with all the freshman teachers several times to discuss the freshman who were not performing well. That being said, they do not let one student destroy the learning environment for everyone. If a teacher refers a student to the office three times for disciplinary action, the student is removed from that class and does not recieve credit for it.

Teachers feel appreciated. While faculty meetings are sometimes necessary, they are rarely very long. We have someone who will do our copying for us if we drop it off in advance. We have an office staff that will truly go out of their way to help if you need something from them. We also received a 5% raise this year (although the rise in health insurance costs have eaten that up), following a 6% raise last year.

I wasn’t really trying to gloat, but this is the 6th school I have taught at and I know what a difference these things can make. But even at the schools that did not have all the advantages of this one, I have always been confident that the teachers I was working with were trying there best to improve students. I have taught in rural schools, inner-city schools, and “suburban” schools, but in all cases I have been inspired by the tremendous dedication of some of the teachers I have worked with.

So, no matter what situation you find yourself in, remember to teach cheerfully and that it is about the kids.

16

Checking in from the community colleges, where things have been in full swing for three weeks:
I could–and do–complain about a great many things, but at least I can dismiss people from class if they act up and let someone else deal with them without facing their parents. For this, among many other reasons, my highest praise goes to all those teaching K through 12, public or private. You are the best.

Note to
Ruffian : re: items 2 and 3 in the OP–the budget absolutely blows this year! At one of my workplaces, they were 15% over cap and did not get the funding for all those who enrolled. Since they weren’t keen on adding sections and we can’t take more than 30 in English, our classes are absolutely packed. I turned a lot of folks away. :frowning: It was similar at my other campus, where even the 4to7pm and 7to10pm classes are nearly full.
Somehow…the administrators managed to locate enough $ to give themselves raises. And remodel and redecorate the administration buildings. And so it goes. sigh

–Viva

17

As a student and neice to several teachers I’d like to thank all you teachers out there who are doing a good job. I had a number of bad experiences in Elementary and Junior High with both teachers and students, and I don’t think it should reflect on my high school teachers the fact that I had dropped out. They were mostly great, it was just the students who ruined the whole experience for me.

At this time I’m going to a Transitional High School where you can basically upgrade and get what courses you need to get your diploma (which I got in February!) and I find this is the best place I have ever been. I am returning there for 2 more classes so I can get into the courses I want at College. At this school, I am uncertain of the budgets and whatnot but I do know that the teachers work very hard to help. Each teacher only teaches about 3/4 classes a day and has the fifth period to help students. The classes can be fuller than they should be but they always do their best to help. It’s amazing. Heck, I even had flashbacks to Physics a few months ago because my Physics teacher (Meeker… you’d think he’d be a chemist teacher) had these phrases that he loved to say. Stuff like "It’s a beautiful thing’ after showing us an especially interesting equation… or he’d tell the principle when he wandered by that he was “Working us like rented mules”. And my friends were running around saying them. I hadn’t told them they came up with them on their own.

Our principal is a really great guy too, what he’s done is brought the business community in with our school. We have corporate sponsors who do many great things. A lot of them are giving students opportunities to do job shadows, even internships and work experience. Because of what him and the teachers there have been doing I have learned more about what I want to do in my life, and how I am going to do them, as well as giving me opportunities to make connections in the business world. As far as I know we are the only school that has students invited to Chamber of Commerce breakfasts where we can hobnob with CEO’s.

I am also quite in awe of my Aunt and Uncle who teach a special needs class. I helped to take their students (they job share) to the zoo one day, and it totally tired me out but gave me a healthy respect for what they do every day for those kids. Most of whom are in wheelchairs and unable to communicate that well. I am proud to say that my uncle won a teaching award, one specially created for his work. One of their students who is in a wheelchair is unable to communicate, he doesn’t even have the motor control nescessary to write. Basically a special computer was made for him where he taps his head on this button (buttons?) on his headrest and it puts together words how he wants them. The computer then reads the words out and they come up on a screen on his wheelchair. My uncle taught him how to use this so he was finally able to communicate, if not eloquently but enough to get his point across, what he wanted to say.

This is kind of longer than what I’d planned but basically this is my salute to my teachers and principal, as well as my Aunt’s and Uncle’s, and all the teachers out there who are doing a great job for their students. Keep up the good work, and may you have many more years of seeing the joy of learning light up in the faces of young and old alike. Thank you all.

[sub]Refer to my sig for the words that most eloquently puts how I feel about good teachers.[/sub]

18

When we graduate students from high school and college who cannot read, write or spell; cannot do simple math or balance a budget; cannot speak a second language–in short, who are uneducated–I do feel that the woeful state of education is a nationwide problem.

My parents were very involved in their childrens’ education…and year after year they came home from parent-teacher conferences and other school functions dismayed by the inadequacy of the school system.

19

I am here to give you all words of encouragement from a woman who LOVES teaching, but alas, cannot teach in the public school system, due to my choice of degrees. (I have an MFA in painting, a stellar education, but no education degree=no teaching certificate.)

I have substituted, volunteered and am currently applying for afterschool teaching positions in New Orleans. I also taught art history at a community college.

You MUST remain passionate. My biggest fear in education is the apathy (which equals ignorance) that I have seen in teens these days. I am not saying this is true of all, but in some so much that it is scary.

I always think back to my own K-12 education and wonder, why why was I not one of them? I have come up with an answer. Throughout my entire education I was blessed with teachers who were willing to go down fighting for my education. Some of them did, literally.

It was very inspiring to watch people fighting tooth and nail for what they believed in. IMO, it has made me not only a better student but a person as well.

So go in there and get 'em!

20

I amost forgot: Dont forget your integrated art curriculum research! Feel free to ask me for ideas if you like. :wink: